Jewish Agency funds US Summer Camps’ Shlichim
More than 5,500 young Israelis applied to the Jewish Agency in Jerusalem to work as shlichim in American summer camps.
The 1,100 successful applicants were told this week Israeli Minister of Education Shai Peron that “in your hands you hold the power to ignite the spark of change”.
More than 150,000 American Jewish schoolchildren will participate in 220 summer camps organised by Jewish communities and Zionist youth movdements.
The Israeli shlichim sent by the Jewish Agency will act as counselors on these camps. Most of the shlichim have completed military or national service, and receive special training from the Jewish Agency prior to their departure. Many of the shlichim have prior experience in informal education and have relevant special skills including art and crafts, sports, and camping. The summer shlichim make a significant contribution to strengthening the Jewish identity of the next generation of young Jews and deepening their bond with Israel.
Benjamin Rutland is a former Sydneysider who is now reports on the Jewish Agency’s activities. The Agency is funded by the UIA.
